October Fun

Twas a good year for carving, no blood.

Chicago Bears football player, fairy princess, Snake Eyes.  No more group costumes, these kids can think for themselves.

West Loop Halloween Parade with god-brother Conner

by the great power that be, Alexi, sleeping

Ava, on a scooter at Toys R Us

sometimes, they CAN work together

Celebrating Sebastian's 2nd birthday

Ava and Milayna, matching Oranges

playing with campfire is ok, right?

I asked for 'one nice picture', this is the best they could do

Need pirate pj's???

School is Cool

School, is cool and back in session.  Ask Mommy and she'll say it wanted to start afew weeks sooner....  Austin is at a new school for Kindergarten, Ava continues to grow at pre-school, and Alexi gets to enjoy his time with Mommy.  Lola and Ava had a special girls-only sleepover.  Afew weeks before school started, we were able to visit Grandpa and Gamma at the State Fair, and we even rocked out at this year's Lollapalooza!!! 

If you've ever seen Austin eat, you would know that an all-white school uniform is the last color Austin should wear

Ava was ready for preschool this time...

Alexi... was ready too...

With Austin starting school earlier, Mommy was able to spend time with Alexi and Ava at the playground.....

... and at the pool

Ava micro-managing Alexi at gymnastics

he learned how to take selfies while on the toilet

Bitty-baby playdate

Listening to the band at Summerdance

Lola, Auntie Emily, Ava, and the new friend - Caroline

Mommy and Ava

Austin, really likes taking pictures

Chivas - Austin and Ava's soccer team

Introducing....  Austin and Ava's 2013 U5 (under age 5) soccer team - Chivas.  Our team comprised mostly of the other neighborhood kids and a preschool classmate.  We had games Tuesday and Thursday nights, all summer long.  With Austin on the sidelines with his arm injury, Ava was called up and asked to step up the Aggie representation.  Maybe we scored 15 goals, but we were the BEST at team bonding.  Post-game snacks were of high priority and everyone enjoyed themselves.  I look forward to coaching them every year.

Alexi Remi is 3 - montage

A short (but action packed) montage of our now 3 year old, Alexi Remi.  As fast as he is, as energetic as he can be,  we love him more, each day.  Happy 3rd Birthday, Alexi!!!

 

Time flies, when we are having fun.  Or...  we are just so tired, from keeping the kids active, that we don't get chance to update this blog.  Man... they are fast.  It doesn't help, that the sun stays up longer, so they don't think they need to go bed.  Regardless, when Austin, Ava, and Alexi are finally asleep, we hope they had fun, learn to be good people, and remember that we love them dearly.  The theme of this summer has been 'outdoor-while-modifying-things-so-Austin-and-his-broken-arm-can-also-have-fun'.   He's been a very good sport, while Lego's have been his go-to toys this summer.  Hang in there Austin, before you know it, we'll all be back in full swing!

at Maxwell Street Market

Pinata-candy-rage!!!!

No big deal....  Pulling on bluegills like a pro..  No big deal, but it is....

Mommy altered one of HER dresses, so Ava could wear it too!

an oldie, but goodie

Ava, you can't be serious with book, with you dolly just lying there

quick pool session with Mommy

playdate with Chloe - these girls are the sweetest together!

Grandpa, do you have another arm to hold Austin?

playdate with the Trupia's, thank you!!!

Again, Ava thinks soccer should be played in air-conditioned domes

the kids were making sure the tires were rotated properly

Camping with the Noah, Kyle, and Godfather Joe.

No matter how much else there is to do in the woods, campfires are the most fun

We hope Uncle Brian didn't mind extra blue hair gel.....

For most of this summer, this has been the only way to keep the kids contained.

Alexi wanted to take a selfie and Ava photobombed.

A behind-the-scenes look at Alexi, while working.  Coming to a Meijer advertisement soon.

Ava, always 'pleasant' to play soccer in the humid weather

Ava was hanging on so she didn't sink.  I was just happy for the affection.

Austin, is now old enough to stay up and watch the Lakefronr 4th of July fireworks.

No big deal....  just the STANLEY CUP at the Hinsdale 4th of July Parade!!!

On the Chicago River's water taxi

Alexi... almost a 3 year old......



This day, I was Alexi's Daddy, not a Coach

Costco hot dogs, really a mouthful

Ava, at Gymnastic summer camp with her McKenna

Apparently, a crayon behind his ear, is 'like Daddy'

Generally speaking, most kids stay away from fire.  At Cousin Kaitlyn and Rachel's HS graduation party

At New Buffalo Beach, with our cousins!!!

Alexi, trying to get his Uncle Boyet to build sand castles



What could go wrong???

At Kai's birthday party


Alexi and Daddy day, at Oak St Beach and Navy Pier

Alexi, drinking his milk, and checking out the volleyball girls

Ava, and new friend Mr. Wiggins

Father's Day dinner, at Scoozi

Austin and Ava, didn't want anymore camera time, they just wanted to play with their new legos.